Music
The sources of American music were … scattered, but centralized production and distribution networks contributed to the growth of a more standardized culture. … Largely because of the phonograph and radio, specialized forms of music entered the cultural mainstream. more »
Source: Daily Life Online
Music of the Depression Era
Compiled by Dave Bright (Casa de Oro Library)
Nippers Greatest Hits v. 1 & 2
A wonderful selection of some of the most popular radio and recording stars of the era. If you want to know what Depression-era folks were listening to on their wireless, this two-disc set is the place to start. A panoply of the most popular stars including: Paul Whiteman, Russ Columbo, Maurice Chevalier, Kate Smith, Rudy Vallee, Guy Lombardo and Leo Reisman's Orchestra. The music veers from frothy tin-pan alley to blues and jazz and the "big band" sound. A perfect introduction to one of the most exciting periods of American music.
Woody Guthrie: Dust Bowl Ballads
No artist is more identified with the Depression than folk singer Woody Guthrie. He wrote about and for the people the Depression destroyed, yet mingled with the tragedy is a great humorous appreciation for all the joys and ironies of life. His songs are now standards and his nasal, twangy country voice is an instant reminder of hobo-ing and soup lines and "Hoover-villes." If Grapes of Wrath were filmed today, Woody Guthrie's songs might very well provide the soundtrack. "Pretty Boy Floyd," and "Talking Dustbowl Blues," are wonderful representations of the Guthrie sound.
Louis Armstrong: The Definitive Collection
It would be very difficult to choose a more important artist than Louis Armstrong. He was a defining force in American music, and shaped jazz music with his powerful Dixieland and blues rhythms. The sound of his trumpet is as recognizable as Pavarotti's voice is today: strong, full of soul, and clear was a vinegar-washed windowpane. This collection is a good place to start. Although it leans a little heavily on his later pop hits, it does include "When it's Sleepy Time Down South," "Struttin' With Some Barbecue," and "Do you Know What It Means to Miss New Orleans?" Investigate further with earlier or live recordings.
Bing Crosby (The Millennium Collection)
Crosby's ascendance as America's most popular singer coincided with the invention of the electric microphone. Out were the Rudy Vallee megaphone crooners and Crosby's style of intimate singing became all the rage. Starting out as a jazzy swinger with the Whiteman orchestra, he soon blossomed into an artist who combined easy charm with a perfect sense of rhythm and phrasing. No one has had more Number 1 hits - not the Beatles, or Elvis. The influence of "The Old Groaner," spawned a whole generation of pop singers, including Frank Sinatra, Tony Bennett and Perry Como. Crosby was everywhere in the 1930's. He dominated radio, records, and was a major film star. This collection includes many Crosby standards such as "Swingin' On A Star," "White Christmas," and "Pennies From Heaven." (Limited copies)
Benny Goodman at Carnegie Hall 1938
The "King of Swing's" legendary, ground breaking concert is captured here for posterity. A swing band playing at a classical venue was unheard of, yet Goodman's popularity and artistry made it a triumph. One of the first integrated bands, Goodman's line-up featured Lionel Hampton, Teddy Wilson, Gene Krupa and Cootie Williams. This concert features many Goodman hits, including: "One O'clock Jump," "Stompin' At The Savoy," and the immortal "Sing, Sing, Sing," an rollicking instrumental which has found its way into every modern film set in the 30's. Along with Glen Miller, Goodman ruled the Big Band Era. This recording amply demonstrates why "Jitter-Buggers" of the 30's loved him.
The Very Best of Bill Monroe and His Blue Grass Boys
The father of bluegrass music was a master mandolin player and had a plaintive, tenor voice which perfectly captured that "High Lonesome" sound. Monroe re-invented traditional songs and put them in the mix with his own formidable compositions to create the modern bluegrass sound. The later addition of Lester Flat and Earl Scruggs on guitar and banjo further electrified county minded fans. A staple of the Grand Old Oprey and tireless performer, Monroe influenced generations of pickers and singers.
Among the selections of this fine CD are "Blue Moon of Kentucky," "I Saw the Light," "Roll on Buddy," and "New Mule Skinner Blues," which features some great Bill Monroe yodeling.
The Essential Bessie Smith
One of the all-time great blues singers, Bessie Smith's tragic early death have left generations of music fans wondering, "What might have been?" A husky-voiced singer, she could belt it out with the best - better than the best, in fact. Even on the roughest sounding records, her vitality and vulnerability enlivened every song she sang. A blues master, she lived the life she sang about. All blues artists owe her a debt. This collection has a fine selection of Smith numbers. "Taint Nobody's Bizness If I Do," "St. Louis Blues," "After You've Gone," and "Gimme A Pigfoot and a Bottle of Beer."
Essential Duke Ellington
One of America's premier composers and musicians, Duke Ellington personified genteel sophistication. Ellington's soaring talents made him one of the bedrock founders of American Jazz. A popular favorite throughout the decade, he composed standards which rank him with Gershwin and Porter. Erudite and witty, Ellington and his music always seemed to float above the ordinary and earth-bound. His ingenious arrangements never prevented his band from being popular. This collection contains "Sophisticated Lady," "Mood Indigo," "Caravan," "In a Sentimental Mood," "Take the A-Train," "Satin Doll," and other timeless Ellington classics.
America's Sweet Hearts: The Andrews Sisters
Maxine, Patty and Laverne, the trio who were the Andrews Sisters are most associated with WWII, but they started in the 30's and had some huge hits in that decade. Not as harmoniously adventurous as an earlier sister trio, the Boswell Sisters, they were nevertheless lively, warm-hearted and professional. Most importantly, they were crowd-pleasing. They recorded a string of fun and well constructed tunes, to which they added their own playfulness and "Girl Next Door" charm. This CD does not include all their hits, but has "Hold Tight" from 1939. It also includes some great war-era standards such as "Boogie-Woogie Bugle Boy," and "Straighten Up and Fly Right."
The Sons of the Pioneers: Ultimate Collection
The "Cowboy Sound" was big in the 30's, and the Sons of the Pioneers captured it perfectly. Their wistful choral harmonies brought the old west home to millions of urban families during the 30's. Roy Rogers started out with the group and became a star with them, and then without them. They introduced many favorites, which have since become standards. Songs such as "Tumblin' Tumbleweeds," "Cool Water," and the ironic "I'm an Old Cowhand," are still sung today - and not just around a campfire!
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Music of the 1930s
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Life During the Great Depression | About The Big Read
The Big Read is an initiative of the National Endowment for the Arts in partnership with the Institute of Museum and Library Services and Arts Midwest.